Cognitive techniques to improve stress - Michenbaum Flashcards
What was the aim of Michenbaum’s study?
To compare SIT with standard behavioural systematic desensitisation and a control group on a waiting list
What does SIT stand for?
Stress Inoculation Therapy
What sort of experimental method was used?
Field experiment
How were participants assessed before and after the study?
Using self-report and grade averages
Who were the particpants in the Michenbaum study?
21 students aged 17-25 who responded to an advert for treatment for anxiety
What was the experimental design?
Matched pairs design
How were participants allocated?
Randomly
What were the 3 groups?
SIT therapy group, the waiting list control group or the standard systematic desensitisation group
What 2 factors were participants matched on?
Gender and Anxiesty levels
How were participants tested before being allocated to their group?
They completed a test anxiety questionnaire
In the SIT group, how many therapy sessions did they receive?
8
Prior to the tests, what were participants given to help them identify with their thoughts?
The ‘insight’ approach
In the systematic desensitisation group, how many therapy sessions did participants receive, and what were they encouraged to do at home?
8 therapy sessions with progressive relaxation training to practise at home
What were the control group told?
That they were on a waiting list and that they would receive therapy in the future
Participants improved most in which group regarding anxiety levels?
SIT group, however both therapy groups showed overall improvements in comparison to the control group
